Evaluation of Sella Turcica Morphology on Lateral Cephalometric Graphs

Objective: One of the most frequently used anatomical landmarks on the skull as a marker in lateral cephalometric radiography is the sella turcica. Knowing the anatomical changes of this important region will make it easier to recognize a pathological change in the region. The aim of this study is to evaluate sella turcica variations using lateral cephalmetric radiography and to evaluate their distribution between gender and age groups. Methods: Orthodontic diagnostic records and initial cephalometric radiographs of 647 patients were determined as the study group. The length, height and width of the sella turcica were calculated using a digital ruler. Accordingly, the shapes and variations of the sella turcica are categorized as normal sella, posterior wall irregularity, bridging of the sella turcica, double contour of the base, oblique anterior wall and pyramidal shape of the dorsum sella. Results: The average length, height and width of the sella turcica in men were found to be 9.09±2.07 mm (millimeters), 7.93±1.33 mm and 10.82±2.18 mm, respectively. For women, the average length, height and width were determined as 8.4±1.83 mm, 7.96±1.44 mm and 10.07±2.05 mm, respectively. Normal sella in 48.8% (n=316) of the patients, irregularity in the posterior wall in 20.2% (n=131), pyramid in 10.4% (n=67), and pyramid in 8.2% (n=53), bridging of the sella turcica was detected in n=49), double contoured sella turcica variations were detected in 7.6% (n=49) and oblique shaped sella turcica variations were detected in 4.8% (n=31). Conclusion: An abnormal growth or decrease in sella turcica dimensions and morphological variations that can be observed in lateral cephalometric radiographs can provide early diagnosis of an anomaly or pathological condition that may occur in later stages of life.